Global Warming and Clean Energy

Clean energy will help revitalize the economy by saving money through reduced energy use and improved efficiency, and by increasing jobs through developing clean energy industries in the state. We can reduce our global warming emissions by implementing programs laid out by the Maryland Commission on Climate Change.

•  Pass a global warming pollution cap in Congress, similar to legislation passed in Maryland last year.

•  Establish a community loan program to make solar power affordable for the average homeowner and small business. Local governments would be able to lend money at very low rates with long repayment periods in order for the loan payments to be no more than the utility bill savings.

•  Require the state to develop a comprehensive energy plan and to follow the plan when considering permit applications from power companies.

•  Require utilities to sign long-term contracts for power from renewable energy sources.

•  Restore funding to energy efficiency programs from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.

Water Quality and the Chesapeake Bay

Each year, a dead zone develops in the Chesapeake Bay in which almost nothing can survive. In recent years, the dead zone has encompassed up to one-third of the bay. This problem is caused by farmland runoff, stormwater runoff from cities and suburbs, sewage treatment plants and air pollution.

•  Push the EPA to enact policies for the whole Chesapeake Bay watershed. Policies include requiring more factory farming operations to have water pollution permits, requiring more counties to have stormwater management permits, and forcing states to have adequate plans for addressing runoff pollution.

•  Pass a federal bill requiring the EPA to enforce pollution limits by sanctioning states and local governments that do not live up to their water quality commitments.

•  Establish restrictions for the disposal of ash from coal-fired power plants. Strong standards should ensure that ash disposal does not contaminate local drinking water supplies.

•  Fully fund the Chesapeake Bay 2010 Trust Fund to provide incentives for practices that reduce pollution into the bay.

•  Require local governments to assess stormwater management fees in order to cover the costs of overseeing pollution reduction measures.

•  Require farmers and lawn care companies to report the quantities of pesticides and fertilizers that they use.

Land Preservation and Smart Growth

Maryland’s future growth should focus on our cities, core suburbs, rural towns and transit hubs. Counties need to ensure a balance between jobs and available, equitable housing. Furthermore, the state needs to continue funding efforts to preserve and protect Maryland’s beautiful natural areas.

•  Level the playing field between highways and public transit in the competition for state transportation dollars.

•  Require local governments to think regionally and use state dollars to encourage development of vibrant communities around transit stations or in small towns.

•  Reauthorize and improve the Heritage Structure Rehabilitation Tax Credit (Historic Tax Credit), providing incentives for individuals and businesses to invest in our historic towns and cities.

•  Ensure that Program Open Space funds are not diverted to other programs and are used for preserving land.